The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Class in Baldur's Gate 3

Baldur's Gate 3 is a highly anticipated role-playing game that has captured the attention of gamers worldwide. With its immersive gameplay and a rich storyline, it's no surprise that players are eagerly discussing the best class choices in this epic adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we'll cover the top classes based on their abilities, strengths, and overall versatility in Baldur’s Gate 3. We’ll also provide a tier list ranking each class to help you make the best choice for your playthrough.

1. Wizard (S-tier)

As one of the most versatile and powerful classes in Baldur's Gate 3, Wizards is a top choice for many players. With access to a wide array of spells and abilities, Wizards can control battles with ease by dealing massive amounts of damage from range or even controlling enemy movements through crowd-control spells like Sleep or Web. Additionally, they possess high intelligence scores, which grant them extra skill proficiency points, making them valuable outside of combat as well.

However, Wizards do have some drawbacks; they are relatively fragile, with low hit points and armor class ratings. This means they may require some protection from more durable party members or careful positioning during combat. Despite these weaknesses, their raw power and versatility make Wizards an S-tier choice for any player.

2. Cleric (A-tier)

Clerics are another excellent choice in Baldur's Gate 3 due to their ability to heal and support their party members while also dishing out considerable damage when needed. They have access to potent divine spells like Healing Word and Guiding Bolt while also boasting decent melee capabilities with heavy armor proficiency and weapon options.

Clerics can channel divine energy through Channel Divinity abilities that grant them additional utility during combat, such as Divine Fortune or Turn Undead – allowing them to control enemies or buff allies further. Their versatility makes Clerics a solid A-tier class, with the only drawback being their limited spell slots, which can lead to careful resource management during prolonged encounters.

3. Druid (A-tier)

Druids are highly versatile spellcasters with access to both arcane and divine spells. They excel in battlefield control and support roles while also being able to switch to melee combat thanks to their Wild Shape ability, which allows them to transform into various animals for increased mobility or durability.

One of the key strengths of Druids is their ability to adapt their spell list depending on the situation, allowing them to become potent healers or damage dealers as needed. Additionally, they can summon animal companions and elementals to aid them in combat, making them a powerful force both in and out of battle. The only downside is that Wild Shape has limited uses per rest, but overall, Druids are an A-tier choice for players who want versatility and adaptability in their characters.

4. Fighter (B-tier)

Fighters are the classic frontline warriors of Baldur's Gate 3; they boast high hit points, heavy armor proficiency, and an extensive array of weapons at their disposal. With abilities like Second Wind for self-healing and Action Surge for extra attacks during combat, Fighters can challenging opponents on the battlefield.

While Fighters excel at melee combat and survivability, they lack versatility compared to other classes on this list – having no access to magic or utility abilities outside of combat. However, they do have several subclasses that allow customization, such as Eldritch Knight (which grants some magical capabilities) or Battle Master (which provides additional combat maneuvers). Overall, Fighters are a B-tier choice for players who enjoy a straightforward approach to battles while providing reliable tanking capabilities for their party.

5. Rogue (B-tier)

Rogues are masters of stealth and subterfuge; they excel at dealing massive amounts of damage through Sneak Attacks while also being highly mobile with abilities such as Cunning Action and Evasion. Additionally, Rogues have access to a variety of skills that allow them to excel outside of combat, such as lockpicking, disarming traps, or scouting ahead.

While Rogues are powerful damage dealers and skillful characters, they can struggle in prolonged combat due to their relatively low hit rates and armor class ratings. However, with careful positioning and tactical use of abilities like Uncanny Dodge or Evasion, they can still be valuable asset on the battlefield.

6. Warlock (C-tier)

Warlocks are spellcasters who gain their powers through pacts with otherworldly beings. They possess unique abilities like Eldritch Invocations, which grant them additional spells or enhancements to existing ones – allowing for customization and versatility in their spellcasting arsenal. Additionally, Warlocks have access to powerful spells like Hex and Eldritch Blast, which can deal significant damage from range.

The primary drawback of Warlocks is their limited spell slots compared to other casters like Wizards or Clerics – requiring careful resource management during encounters. They also lack the raw power and versatility that other casters possess but make up for it through their customizable invocations and unique pact options (such as Pact of the Chain or Pact of the Blade). Warlocks are a C-tier choice for players who enjoy customizing their character abilities while still providing decent magical support during encounters.

7. Ranger (D-tier)

Rangers are skilled hunters who excel at tracking creatures and dealing damage from the range with their bow or crossbow. They possess unique abilities like Hunter's Mark for increased damage against specific targets as well as favored terrain bonuses that grant them additional utility outside of combat.

However, the Rangers suffer from a lack of versatility, having limited options in terms of spells and abilities that can affect the battlefield. Additionally, their damage output can be inconsistent due to their reliance on ranged weapons and limited magical capabilities. Rangers are a D-tier choice for players who enjoy a thematic hunter class but may struggle to keep up with the power and versatility of other classes in Baldur's Gate 3.

8. Barbarian

Barbarians are the embodiment of primal fury, harnessing their raw power to become unstoppable forces on the battlefield. With their high hit points, unarmored defense, and unique abilities such as Rage, Barbarians can absorb massive amounts of damage while dishing out equally devastating blows to their enemies.

Rage is a core feature of the Barbarian class, granting them increased damage output and resistance to physical damage while active. This makes them excellent frontline warriors that can withstand enemy attacks while protecting their more fragile party members. Furthermore, Barbarians have access to powerful abilities like Reckless Attack (granting advantage on attack rolls at the cost of reduced defenses) and Brutal Critical (dealing extra critical hit damage).

However, Barbarians lack versatility outside of combat and have no access to magic or ranged attacks. This can make them less adaptable in certain situations compared to other classes. Nonetheless, for players who enjoy embodying raw strength and ferocity in battle, the Barbarian class is an excellent choice.

9. Bard

Bards are the ultimate jack-of-all-trades – skilled performers who use their musical talents to wield powerful magic and support their allies in various ways. With access to a wide range of spells from different schools of magic, Bards are highly versatile spellcasters who can adapt to any situation.

One of Bard's key features is Bardic Inspiration – a unique ability that allows them to inspire their party members by granting bonus dice that can be added to ability checks, attack rolls, or saving throws. This makes Bard's invaluable support characters who can turn the tide of battle or help overcome challenging obstacles.

10. Paladin

Paladins are holy warriors who wield divine magic to smite their foes and protect their allies. Combining martial prowess with access to healing spells and powerful aura abilities, Paladins excel as frontline fighters who can also provide support to their party members.

Their signature ability, Divine Smite, allows Paladins to channel divine energy through their weapon attacks – dealing massive amounts of radiant damage to enemies. Additionally, they possess Lay on Hands – a healing ability that can restore hit points to themselves or allies.

One of the most notable features of the Paladin class is their Aura abilities – passive effects that emanate from the Paladin and provide various benefits to nearby allies. For example, Aura of Protection grants a bonus to saving throws, while Aura of Courage makes allies immune to fear effects.

While Paladins boast impressive combat capabilities and support utility, they suffer from limited spell slots compared to dedicated spellcasters such as Wizards or Clerics. This requires careful resource management during encounters but doesn't detract from the Paladin's overall effectiveness as a potent force on the battlefield.

 

11. Sorcerer

Sorcerers are unique spellcasters who possess innate magical abilities rather than learning them through study or divine intervention. Their innate connection to magic allows them unparalleled versatility in casting spells – utilizing Metamagic options such as Twin Spell or Quickened Spell to modify how their magic works.

This versatility extends beyond combat as well; Sorcerers can choose unique subclasses known as Sorcerous Origins, which grant them additional abilities and thematic flavor. Examples include Draconic Bloodline (gaining dragon-like traits) or Wild Magic (unpredictable magical effects).

In conclusion, Baldur's Gate 3 offers a wide array of classes for players to choose from, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Ultimately, the best class choice will depend on your playstyle and preferences – whether you want to deal devastating damage from range as a Wizard or heal and support your party as a Cleric. Whatever you choose, remember that teamwork, strategy, and knowing your character's capabilities will lead to success in this epic adventure.